Robinson had 41 points and a key steal to lead the Knickerbockers over the Pacers 123-119 at the Garden last night, but it was the raucous Talladega Nights theme permeating the premises that had everyone talking. Not only did the public address announcer scream "Shake and bake!" after every Robinson score, but Robinson ran over and gave Ferrell a fist bump after one basket. Then there was this:

"I was so like energized, ready to play," Robinson said of Ferrell's presence. "It's weird. I wanted to play good for my team, for the fans but definitely for him. So he can hear as many shake-and-bakes as he can."

Video here.

Of course this is not a new relationship. It was one year ago that Robinson actually faced Ferrell on the court.

And of course the Lakers have their own version of the "Shake and bake!" call at the Staples Center. After every Kobe Bryant basket, the PA announcer yells "No illegal immigrants!"

Nate Robinson Wills Knicks To Victory, Then Chats With Will Ferrell [New York Daily News]
Robinson Has 41 Points And A Key Interception [New York Times]
Nate Robinson Has A Man Crush On Will Ferrell [Total Pro Sports]

Hope springs eternal in Altoona, Pa., where the local Class AA Eastern League Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate, the Curve, await a very special guest on Monday. Will Ferrell has been invited to throw out the first pitch in the Curve's game against the Akron Aeros, and to meet and greet fans. This will be a glorious day for fans of baseball and comedy alike; except for one minor, possible hitch: Ferrell has not said that he will attend. In fact, it's quite possibly that he knows nothing about it.

Monday is “Please Come to Altoona Will Ferrell!” Night at Blair County Ballpark, as Hollywood mega-star Will Ferrell will toss out a ceremonial first pitch, broadcast an inning on radio and sign autographs for Curve fans. Actually, the odds of any of that happening are extraordinarily slim, but the Curve are hereby begging Mr. Ferrell to accept their invitation. Either way, the Curve will play video clips from his hilarious performances in “Anchorman”, “Old School” and many other films.

More details here.

Oh, and also feel free to scream: Get on the bag!

Elsewhere in upcoming promotional events:

• Superstition Night. Friday, July 18, Lowell Spinners (Class A New York-Penn League). A mirror-breaking contest and other superstitious activities are planned, including an announcement that a no-hitter is in progress after every inning.

• Batman Night. Friday, July 18, Beloit Snappers (Class A Midwest League). One of many Batman promotions around the minor leagues, as The Dark Knight opens in theaters around the country. Dress up in your best Batman attire! I know I will ... and I'm not even leaving the house.

• Second Amendment Night. Friday, July 18, Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA Pacific Coast League). The second amendment guarantees our right to bear arms. Get it, bear arms? Oh, how clever. Special second amendment festivities will abound, including discounts for fans wearing sleeveless shirts, and free hunter safety classes. Details here.

• Salute To Frivolous Lawsuits Night. Monday, July 21, West Virginia Power (Class A South Atlantic League). Lukewarm coffee will be served so that no fans will burn themselves, and kids 12 and under will receive beach balls with a label warning them not to ingest it.

• Revolutionary War Night. Tuesday, July 22, Vero Beach Devil Rays (Class A Florida State League). In which members of the club's front office will re-enact key moments from the war for independence. The Battle of Bunker Hill, the Battle of Valley Forge, Washington crossing the Delaware, plus "the possible late arrival of the French." It all should resemble something like this. [Thanks To Benjamin Hill]

• Racing Vegetables Of The Week. Asparagus. Stockton Ports (Class A California League). Stockton is home to three varieties of asparagus, and also the annual Asparagus Festival. One of the most competitive of all vegetables, here are the asparagus (asparagi?) during a rare casual moment.

We want your minor league tips! Send any game reports, photos or Anchorman quotes to Rick@Deadspin.com. And thanks!

Here's Will Ferrell playing Bill Walton in a game of horse ... a sentence I never thought I'd ever type. As Dogs That Chase Cars says, Ferrell actually shoots the rock pretty damn well. And Walton looks at home in that uniform, doesn't he? (Sarcasm: The anti-drug).

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Ferrell says that he is not obsessed with making sports-themed movies. But we know better.

Will Ferrell Actually Shoots The Rock Pretty Damn Well [Dogs That Chase Cars]
Basket Case [Chicago Tribune]

Hmmm. I thought Bush said that the U.S. doesn't torture?

Harry Carey In Iraq [College Humor.com]

According to Sports by Brooks, this will be running at some point today on the NFL Network, which means that many of you will only see it here because you can't turn away from the intense beefcake appeal of Chris Berman. So enjoy it here.

I'm honestly wondering what would happen if a guy followed his advice for the 40, and took a zig-zag pattern. If I was a GM, I'd consider it a sign of character.

Will Ferrell as USC Strength Coach Sneak Preview [Sports by Brooks]
Will Ferrell As USC Strength Coach "Chuck Berry" [YouTube]